Cake dough or batter depositor



Feb. 20, 1951 E. o. ENGELS EIAL 2,542,239

CAKE DOUGH OR BATTER DEPOSITOR Filed Dec. 24, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS.

20,? Ka ya/re 0, I @[fi j HMS 2 media.

BY FIE. En.

yrrafi/VEV Feb. 20, 1951 E E GE ETAL 2,542,239

CAKE DOUGH OR BATTER DEPOSITOR Filed Dec. 24, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 20, 1951 E. o. ENGELS ETAL 2,542,239

CAKE DOUGH OR BATTER DEPOSITOR I Filed Dec. 24, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TORS; Faye/re 0. 1:71:53! 5,

F Tie/1c.

E. o. ENGELS ETAL 2,542,239

CAKE DOUGH OR BATTER DEPOSITOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 20, 1951 Filed Dec. 24, 1946 Patented Feb. 20, 1951 CAKE DOUGH OR BATTER DEPOSITOR Eugene O. Engels and Hans F. Tiedke, Saginaw,

Mich, assignors to Baker Perkins 1110., Saginaw, Mich, a corporation of New York Application December 24, 1946, Serial No. 718,238

16 Claims. 1

The invention relates to what is commonly known in the baking trade as cake depositors, that is, apparatus into which a mass of cake batter or dough may be introduced and which will discharge the same from the apparatus in pieces, commonly known as deposits, of predetermined size onto a conveyor belt into pans or other receptacles in which such depostis may be transported and/or baked.

The principal object of the present invention is a provision of a machine or apparatus of the type described that is simple in construction and involves a minimum of mechanically operated parts; that will consistently maintain the weight of the deposits discharged therefrom extremely close to a predetermined weight; that will be fully automatic in operation; and in which those Surfaces which come in contact with the dough or batter may be readily and thoroughly cleaned.

Objects of the invention include the provision of apparatus of the character described in which the dough or batter is discharged under air pressure; the provision of apparatus of the type described in which the effect of the static pressure on the dough or batter in the discharge of the same from the apparatus is so controlled as to have little if any material effect in varying the weight of the deposits discharged from the apparatus; the provision of apparatus of the type described in Which the deposits are maintained at substantially the same weight, this being accomplished at least in part by maintaining the level of dough or batter in the extrusion chamber of the machine within predetermined limits; the provis on of apparatus of the type described in which the extrusion chamber is of such shape and conformation as to provide a maximum horizontal cross-sectional area for that portion thereof located between the lzvels at which the dough r batter is maintained therein; and the provision of apparatus of the type described in which the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber is maintained between predetermined limits by automatically feeding additional amounts of dough or batter thereto whenever the level of the dough or batter in the pressure chamber reaches a predetermined low level, and autoinatically discontinuing the feed of dough or batter thereto when the level of the dough or batter reaches a predetermined high level.

Other objects of the invention include the provision of apparatus of the type descrfbed in which the feed of dough or batter from the discharge orifice or orifices of the apparatus is interrupted and/or controlled by means of a reciprocable knife which serves the dual purpose of cutting off the dough or batter being discharged from the extrusion chamber to form deposits of the desired weight and also as a valve to close the discharge orifice or orifices between the cut-ofi periods and at other necessary times which will hereinafter be more apparent; the provision of operative means for controlling the reciprocable position of the cut-off knife; and the provision of a novel mounting for the cut-off knife whereby it may be readily removed for cleaning or the like.

Further objects of the invention include the provision of a novel form of means for controlling the fiow of dough or batter to the extrusion chamber of the machine, this including a reservoir mounted upon the extrusion chamber and a valve for controlling the communication therebetween, together with fluid operated means for opening and closing the valve.

Still further objects of the invention include the provision ofapparatus of the type described including valve mechanism for controlling the flow of air to the cut-off knife, and to the valve between the reservoir and the extrusion chamber, and control means for the valves including means for'maintaining the knife in a position to prevent extrusion of material from the apparatus when the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber reaches a predetermined loW level, for relieving the pressure of air in the extrusion chamber at such time, and for opening the valve between the reservoir and the extrusion chamber, and for closing the valve between the reservoir and the extrusion chamber when the level of the dough or batter :in the latter reaches a predetcrmined high level, applying air pressure to the extrusion chamber at suchtime and automatically initiating reciprocation of the knife; the provision of additional control elements to apparatus of the type last described assuring proper movement of various operating parts of the apparatus and control valves therefor.

The above being among the objects of the present invention, the same consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations and arrangements of parts to be hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and then claimed, having the above and. other objects in view.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate a suitable embodiment of the present invention and in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several different views.

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view diagrammatically illustrating the essential parts of the apparatus of the present invention;

Fig. 2 (sheet 2) is a partially broken vertical sectional view taken centrally through apparatus comprising a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as on the line 2-2 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 (sheet 3) is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2

Fig. 4 (sheet 1) is an enlarged view of the motor-driven cam mechanism, shown in the lower port=on of Fig. 2, with the face of the control box broken away to illustrate the cams and associated mechanism therein;

Fig. 5 (sheet 1) is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 (sheet 1) is a fragmentary plan view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 to illustrate the tubes which are connected with the double valve shown in Figs. 4 and 5;

Fig. 7 (sheet 3) is a fragmentary, partially broken, enlarged view taken on the line 11 of Fig. 2, showing two of the limit switches which cooperate with the cut-off blade.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary more-or-less diagrammatic view illustrating a modified form of level controll ng switch mechanism; and

Fig. 9 is essentially a wiring diagram. for the apparatus shown in the preceding figures, part of the apparatus being shown diagrammatically in association therewith in order to better illustrate the relation of parts thereto and allow a better understanding of the same to be had; and

Fig. 10 is a digrammatic representation of one of the relay switch mechanisms actually employed in the wiring of the apparatus and shown as separated parts in Fig. 9.

In bakeries where large quantities of cakes, muffins, and similar types of baked goods are prepared, it is substantia ly necessary from a commercial standpoint that apparatus be provided which w ll act upon a relatively large mass of batter or dough to remove portions thereof, commonly referred to as deposits, of substantially a given weight, and deposit the same in pans traveling below the same on suit/able conveyor means. The bulk of such apparatus com- ,mercially employed heretofore has been of a type in which the deposits have been cut off from the main mass mechanically and the mechanism has been substantially entirely of a mechanical nature. As a result, such mach nes, which are common y referred to as cake depositors, have been of such character as to require substantial dismantling of the same to expose all those surfaces which have come in contact with the dough or batter during an operation in order to clean such surfaces with any degree of thoroughness. It is possible, and therefore one of the objects of the present invention is thereby attained, to construct an apparatus or machine in accordance with the present invention which readily lends itself to the complete exposing of any surfaces which comes into contact with the dough or batter processed thereby, thus providing such a machine which may be maintained in a sanitary condition with a minimum of time expended in the clean ng operation.

Another difiiculty with such machines as heretofore constructed is that the weight of the various deposits, commonly referred to as the scaling, has varied to an undesirable extent and this difiiculty of prior machines may be overcome by a properly designed machine constructed in accordance with the present invention so that the we ght of the deposits may be continuously maintained, or sealed, within as little as 1% of the desired predetermined weight.

The overcoming of the two above described disadvantages of conventional cake depositors constitute, perhaps, the main advantages of the present invention, but other advantages are also present. For instance, in a, properly constructed machine. of the present invention, once it is set in operation all that is required is to maintain the hopper or storage tank at least partially filled. with the. dough or batter being dispensed, and all the remaining operations are automatically carried out. Thus, a substantially automatic machine isprovided which is adapted to operate continuously, the only requirement being that some form of means, whether manual or mechanical, maintain the reservoir suificiently filled with dough or batter to continue operation of the machine, such operation automatically ceasing shortly after exhaustion of the dough or batter in the reservo r or hopper thereof. Provisions may be made, however, for completely discharging all of the dough or batter from the machine once its automatic operation ceases from lack of a predetermined level of dough or batter in the extrusion chamber thereof.

The apparatus of the present invention employs air pressure for forcefully extruding the dough or batter from the extrusion chamber tmough one or more discharge orifices and in a position to be acted upon by a cut-off knife to form. deposits of equal weight. Broadly speaking, the use of air pressure for this purpose is not in and of itself new, but where the use of air pressure has heretofore been sug ested no means have been provided for compensating for the hydrostatic head of the dough or batter which combines with the air pressure employed to extrude the same. For this reason and because of the fact this hydrostatic head varies as each charge of dough or batter is ejected from the machine, the deposits have varied greatly in weight, and such prior mach nes have therefore been commercially unsatisfactory because of the poor sealing characteristics thereof. This difficulty of prior machines of the air pressure type is overcome in accordance with the present invention by providing means for maintaining the hydrostatc head of the dough or batter in the ex,- trusion chamber within predetermined and relatively narrow limits. In order to aid in overcoming loss of time in frequent charging of the extrusion chamber with an additional batch of dough or batter when the lower level of the same in the extrusion chamber is reached, the extrusion chamber is preferably shaped so as to provide a maximum cross-sectional area in a horizontal pane within the height thereof in which the level of the dough or batter is maintained in operation, such cross-sectional area of the extrusion chamber preferably being reduced above the high level and below the low level points therein, and particularly the latter, in order to minimize the volume of the entire charge in the extrusion chamber.

The bare essentials of the present invention as applied to a machine of the character described are diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. l, and it is believed that an understanding of the structure diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 1 will make the succeeding description of the embodiment of the invention shown in later views more readily appreciated and understood. Accordingly, and referring to Fig. 1, the numeral lfl illustrates an extrusion chamber having a discharge spout or nozzle 62 provided with a discharge orifice l4 therein. Except for the orifice M, which is intermittently uncovered as will hereinafter be explained, and various valve controlled port and passages leading into the extrusion chamber Ill, the latter is of an air-tight construction in which a positive pressure may be built up.

The orifice I4 is alternately opened and closed by a knife blade which reciprocates with its upper surface in contacting relationship with respect to the flat end surface of the spout or nozzle 12, under the influence of a reciprocating mechanism 18 which, in the broader aspects of the invention, may be of any suitable character but which is preferably of the air-operated type and will be so explained.

The dough or batter which is fed to the extrusion chamber IE! and is extruded therefrom and cut off into deposits by the knife [5 is initially fed to a reservoir or hopper 29 positioned above the extrusion chamber H1. The lower end of the receiver or hopper 20 projects down into the upper portion of the extrusion chamber ii] and is sealed thereto against leakage. The flow of the dough or batter from the receiver or hopper 29 to the extrusion chamber Ill is controlled by means of a valve 22 of the poppet type and which is provided with a stem 24 which projects upwardly therefrom and is connected at its upper end with a reciprocating mechanism 25. Here again, in the broader aspects of the invention, the reciprocating mechanism 25 may be of any suitable character but preferably, and as hereinafter described, is of conventional air-operated piston and cylinder type of apparatus.

Air under a, suitable pressure is fed through a pipe 28 to a suitably actuated valve 38 and from it may be conducted through a tube or pipe 32 sealed to the extrusion chamber H] to the interior of the latter. Air may be exhausted from the chamber Hi through a tube or pipe 34 sealed to the chamber I D and extending to a suitablyactuated valve 36 from which it may be exhausted J noid indicated generally at 38 and 4!], respec- 5 tively.

Means are provided, controlled and/or actuated by the level of the batter in the extrusion chamber it? for controlling the operation of the mechanisms is and Zfi and the valves 3t! and 3t.

Diagrammatically, this means may consist of a mechanism A and a mechanism B. Broadly speaking, the means which is operated by variations in the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber it for controlling the cylin der and piston assemblies l3 and 25 and the valves 35] and 33 may be of any suitable of cone ventional type. For instance, and particularly where the machine is dispensing batter having a relatively high degree of fluidity, float control means such as indicated in Fig. 8 may be employed, but preferably, and as shown in Fig. 1 and in the actual embodiment of the machine shown mainly in Figs. 2 and 3, a pair of electrodes 42 and M are employed, onepositioned to make contact and therefore close an electrical circuit therethrough at a predetermined high level of batter or dough in the extrusion chamber IE, which level is indicated by the dotted lines 45, and the other of which is positioned to break 6, an electrical circuit therethrough when the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber has reached a predetermined low level, indicated in Fig. 1 by the dotted lines 48.

The making and breaking of electrical circuits through the electrodes 42 and 44 serves as means to control the operation of the piston and cylinder assemblies l8 and 26 and of the valves 36 and 36. Diagrammatically, as shown in Fig. 1, this may be considered to act through a mechanism indicated generally at A which is actuated by breaking of the circuit through the electrode 44 to energize the solenoid 38 to close the valve 30, to energize the solenoid 48 to open the valve 36, these operations serving to disconnect the extrusion chamber I!) from the source of air pressure and to reduce the pressure of air in the extrusion chamber to atmospheric, to stop the op" eration of the piston and cylinder assembly H! with the knife 16 in projected position in which it acts as a valve to close the orifice l4, and to actuate the cylinder and piston assembly 26 to open the valve 22 thereby to permit the dough or batter in the receiver or hopper 2i! to flow by gravity or otherwise into the interior of the extrusion chamber It to raise the level of the dough or batter in the latter.

The mechanism indicated generally at B may be considered to be activated by closing of an electrical circuit through the electrode 42 when the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber IE3 is raised sufficiently to make contact therewith, and the completion of current through the electrode 42 acts through the mechanism B to actuate the piston cylinder assembly 25 to close the valve 22, acts through the solenoid 40 to close the valve 36 and through the solenoid 38 to open the valve 30, and again start the piston and cylinder assembly [8 in operation to effect reciprocation of the knife l6.

It will be thus appreciated from the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1 and above described, that as long as there is dough or batter in the receiver or hopper 28 to flow into the extrusion chamber it upon opening of the valve 22, the electrodes 42 and M will control the operating parts of the machine to maintain the levelof the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber Hi between the limits indicated at at and ,3, that the maintenance of the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber iii is thus automatic, and the machine is continuously and automatically operated to extrude the dough or batter from the orifice l4 and to actuate the knife it to cut off the extruded portions of the dough or batter into deposits of predetermined weight. It will also be understood that the amount of variation in the hydrostatic head on the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber is between the limits tit and '58 is so insignificant, when added to the pressure applied to the extrusion chamber lli above the dough or batter, that the scaling of the deposits produced by the machine is exceedingly accurate, and, as previously stated, when a machine of the present invention is properly constructed and operated such deposits may be maintained within 1 of a predetermined desired weight.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, which illustrate a perferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a commercially workable machine, the extrusion chamber, which is the equivalent of the extrusion chamber ii! of Fig. 1, is here indicated generally at 59 and as including a lower portion 52 and an upper portion 54"rem0vably securedtogether preferably with the interposition of a gasket 55 capable. of rendering the joint between them airtight. Inasmuch as it is desirable to. separate the parts or portions 52 and 54 to expose the inner surfaces thereof for cleaning, some form of securing means is preferably employed between the portions 52 and 54 that may be readily released and applied to permit such disassembly and reassembly. While any suitable form of such securing means may be employed, that shown by way of illustration consists of the type in which a bolt such as 58 is pivotedto one of the parts as by means of a pin 6%, the two cooperating parts being peripherally slotted for reception of the bolt, and a nut 62 threaded on the free end of the bolt cooperating therewith to clamp the two parts together when the bolt lies in the slots. By simply loosening the nuts 62and swinging the bolts 53 outwardly about the pivot pins 59, the bottom portion 52 is released from the upper portion 54. It will be observed in Fig. 2 that the extrusion chamber is of the same general cross-sectional conformation as the extrusion chamber ill of Fig. 1. That is, it is of greatest cross-sectional conformation between the levels defined by the lower ends of the electrodes 64 and 66 which are equivalent to the electrodes 12 and M of the diagrammatic representation in Fig. l.

Electrodes E i and 66 are each mounted in an in dividual holder 68 suitably secured and sealed to the upper portion 54 of the extrusion chamber and in such 'manner as to permit them to be conventionally axially adjusted in the holder to vary the high and low levels of the batter in the extrusion chamber 5!! at will.

The lower portion 52 of the extrusion chamber 59 terminates at its bottom edge in an elongated opening or slot 16 and a rectangular frame-like member l2 of a commensurate size is suitably secured in sealed relation to the lower face of the portion 52 with its central opening aligned with the slot 10. The lower face of the member 72 is in turn closed by a die plate 14 suitably secured in sealed relation with respect thereto. The die plate 14 is provided with one or more openings through which the dough or batter from the extrusion chamber is extruded to a position to be severed by the knife. While any desired number of openings may be provided in the die plate 74 for extruding the dough or batter therethrough to the pans l5 awaiting therebelow, within the capacity of the apparatus and the positioning of pans to individually receive the deposits, four openings 76 are shown by way of illustration, as brought out in Fig. 3. The individual deposits produce thereby are deposited in individual pans l5 resting upon a conveyor 89 arranged to travel under the die plate '54 in a position to receive the deposits therefrom. It will be understood that the conveyor 3% may be of any suitable or conventional type and that suitable or conventional means are provided which op- 'erate in timed relation to the apparatus of the present invention for presenting an empty pan below the die plate M for individuallyreceiving a deposit as the latter is cut ofi by the cut-off knife.

' In Fig. 3 the lower portion 52 of the extrusion chamber 5:? is shown as being provided with holes 32a in each end thereof which are normally closed and sealed by readily removable covers Ma suitably' secured thereto in sealed relation. The covers 350. permit ready inspection and/or cleanins of the interior of the extrusion chamber 51) without necessitating entire removal of such por tion from the upper portion.

In the actual embodiment of the machine as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the receiver or hopper corresponding to the hopper 20 of Fig. 1 is not mounted directly above the extrusion chamber but is mounted to one side thereof for reasons which will hereinafter be explained. Accordingly, the upper portion 54 of the extrusion chamber 50 has integrally formed therewith above the upper wall 82 thereof a chamber 84. The chamber 84 is provided with an opening in one side thereof which, as brought out in Fig. 3, is closed and sealed by a readily removable cover 86 which permits ready inspection and cleaning of the same. The opposite side of the chamber 84 is provided with a circular opening 83 bounded by an annular flange 90. The receiver or hopper, in this case indicated by the numeral 92, is of sheet metal construction with an inclined lower wall at the low point of which on one side thereof it is provided with an opening fi l of substantially the same size as the opening 88 and axially aligned therewith. On the outer face of the receiver 92 a relatively heavy metal ring 96 is secured thereto as by welding or the like in concentric relation with respect to the opening 94, and secured and sealed in the bore of the ring 96 is an outwardly projecting annular collar 98 which is rotatably and relatively closely received in the bore 8-8. An annular gasket Hill confined between the outer end of the collar 98 and an opposed annular shoulder 99 in the chamber 84 at the inner end of the bore 88 serves to seal the joint between the receiver 92 and the chamber 84. These two parts are secured together by a plurality of studs I02 which are fixed at their inner ends in the ring 96 in parallel relation with respect to the axis of the latter and extend out through circumferentially directed slots I04, as brought out in Fig. 2, in the flange of the chamber member 84, and outwardly of the latter receive nuts I06 thereon. By loosening the nuts I06 the extrusion chamber 50 and parts fixed with respect thereto may be swung about the axis of the sleeve 98 within the limits of movement provided by the studs I02 in the slots 154. This swing of the extrusion chamber is of advantage for two reasons, one of which is that the plane of the die plate 74 may be desirably changed in accordance with the character of the dough, batter or other material being deposited from the extrusion chamber, and the described construction therefore provides for such adjustment. The other reason is that when the lower portion 52 of the extrusion chamber 50 is removed from the upper portion 54 thereof to permit a thorough cleaning operation to be performed on the interior of the extrusion chamber, it is convenient in cleaning out the upper portion 54 to swing it out of a horizontal position and thereby make it more readily accessible and more easily inspected by a workman engaged in such operation;

upper wall 82 of the upper extrusion chamber portion 50. The opening I08 is controlled by a valve H0, corresponding to the valve 22 of the diagrammatic representation in Fig. 1, and its rim underlies the margins of the openings I08 and.

is provided with an annular sealing gasket H2 in the upper face of such margin adapted to contact the underside of the wall 82 about the margins of the opening I08 when in closed position to seal the joint between the valve and the wall 02. The valve H is concentrically mounted upon the lower end of a vertically directed rod II l which projects up through the upper wall of the chamber 04 to which it is suitably sealed and above which it is connected by means of a cou pling IIE with a piston rod IIB of a conventional double-acting piston and cylinder assembly indicated generally at I20 mounted on a bracket I22 formed integrally with the walls of the chamber 04. It will be appreciated that by alternately admitting and exhausting fluid from opposite ends of the assembly I20 the valve H0 may be caused to open and close the opening I08 leading from the receiver 92 into the extrusion chamber 50. The assembly IZt being mounted in fixed relation to the upper portion 52 of the extrusion chamber 50, it will be appreciated that it swings bodily with the latter when the latter is adjusted about the axis of the collar 08, as previously described.

The knife I353, which corresponds to knife I6 of the diagrammatic representation in Fig. l, is arranged with its upper surface in flat contacting relationship with respect to the lower face of the die plate '54 and is reciprocated by means of a fluid actuated, double acting cylinder and piston assembly I32, the latter of which is mounted on bracket means I34 fixed to the upper portion 54 of the extrusion chamber 50.

In order to mount the knife I30 for operation by the assembly I32 a mounting member I36 is threadably secured to the outer end of the piston rod I38 of the assembly I32 and is formed to removably receive in socketed relation with respect thereto a bracket I40. The bracket I40 is removably secured to the mounting member I36 by means of a readily removable pin I42. The knife I36 is pivotally secured to the bracket I40 by means of a pivot pin I44, and a coil spring I46 maintained under compression between the bracket I 40 and the rear end of the knife I30 beyond the pivot pin I44, constantly urges the knife I30 in a counterclockwise direction of movement about the pin I40, as viewed in Fig. 2, thus to press the outer end of the knife I30 upwardly against the flat lower face of the die plate I4.

The use of the spring I40 has two advantages, one of which is that it constantly urges the upper face of the knife I30 into flat contacting relationship with respect to the lower face of the die plate I4 so that when the knife covers the opening I6 the join;- between the knife and the die plate is sealed with sufficient firmness to prevent dnpping of the dough or batter from between them. Another advantage is that should the pressure in the extrusion chamber 50 applied to the dough or batter therein to extrude it through the opening it exceed a safe operating pressure, such pressure acting on the outer end of the knife I38, even though the latter is in overlying relationship with respect to the opening It will cause the knife I30 to be pivoted away from the die plate It to permit escape of the dough or batter through the opening I6 and thus provide a form of safety valve operable to prevent excessive pressures from being built up in the extrusion chamber.

The assembly comprising the bracket I40, knife I30 and spring I46 is made removable from the mounting member I36 upon removal of the pin I42 so that when it is desired to remove the lower section 52 of the extrusion chamber 50 the knife blade assembly may be removed and therefore placed out of interfering relation with respect to the lower portion 52 when the latter is removed. This is particularly important where, after each run of dough or batter, it is desired to remove the lower portion :32 or the extrusion chamber and thoroughly clean the inner surfaces of the device with which such dough or batter has come in contact.

It will be appreciated that in the broader aspects of the invention whether the assemblies I25 and I32 are operated hydraulically or by air is immaterial. however, inasmuch as it is impossible to apply a liquid medium to the upper surface of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber to aid in forcing it out of the openings I5 in the die plate 14, air or other inert gas under pressure is therefore required for this purpose. Rather than provide two separate sources of fluid under pressure the assemblies I212 and I32 are preferably operated by air under pressure and air under pressure for applicanon to the doughor batter in the extrusion chamber is obtained from the same source. The air for operating the assemblies I20 and I32 is preferably under much higher pressure than the air which is admitted to the extrusion chamber for extruding the dough or batter therefrom, and further-= more, in order to provide a reserve of such compressed air for both purposes, substanhaily free from fluctuations of pressures in air lines, air is preferably fed to the assemblies I20 and IE2 and to the extrusion chamber 50 from reservoirs. Accordingly one reservoir indicated at I50 is provided for operating the assemblies I20 and I32, and a second reservoir I52 is provided for supplying the extrusion chamber. As brought out in Fig. 2, these reservoirs I50 and I52 are so formed and positioned as to constitute leg structures for the receiver or hopper 92 to which they are connected by brackets I54. In the particular case shown, air is introduced into the receiver I50 under a satisfactorily high pressure from the supply line I55. Air for the receiver I52 is supplied from the receiver I50 by means of a tube or pipe I58 connecting the two and in which a suitable pressure reducing valve I60, preferably of the adjustable type, is operatively connected, at gage such as I62 preferably being provided on the down stream side of the reducing valve I60 so as to permit the pressur maintained within the receiver I52 to be constantly observed.

Instead of using two simple solenoid valves to control the flow of air into and exhaust of air from the extrusion chamber 50 as in the diagrammatic representation in Fig. 1, in actual practice a sing-e three-way solenoid valve is employed for both purposes and this is brought out in Fig. 2. In that figureit will be noted that air is fed into the extrusion chamber from the reser voir I52 by means of a pipe or tube H5, at least a portion of the length of which is flexible so as to permit swinging of the extrusion chamber about the axis of the opening 38 as previously described. Inserted in the tube I10 is a solenoid valve I'I2 of a conventional three-way type and it is so connected in the tube Eli? that when it is energized it opens the tube I10 to the flow of air into the extrusion chamber and when deenergized communicates the interior of the extrusion chamber with the atmosphere to exhaust air therefrom. The valve I72 is controlled by ii a limit switch LSI which, as brought out in Fig. '7, is mounted upon the cylinder and piston assembly I32 at one side thereof. The switch LSI is provided with an operating arm I16 which is engaged by a stepped cam member I'IS having a shoulder or rise I89 thereon. The cam member H8 is carried by the bracket I32 which is fixed to the head I35 secured to the piston rod of the cylinder I32 for equal movement therewith. As the piston of 'cydnder i32 reciprocates the knife I33, it simultaneously reciprocates the bracket I82 and cam I18, causing the outer end of the arm I'iIi to pass over the shoulder I83 and in doing so moving the switch LSI between closed circuit and open circuit position. The switch LSI is of the normally closed type so that as the knife I39 reciprocates to a rear or inoperative position, that is, to the right as viewed in Fig. 2, the free end of the lever I'Iii drops over the shoulder I88 to close the circuit through the switch LSI, thereby energizing the Valve I12 and moving the latter to a positQon in which air under pressure is admitted to the extrusion chamber 56. The shoulder I89 on the came I18 is preferably so positioned that the switch LSI is not so opened until the knife I38 is well back on its stroke. Obviously, when the knife I reciprocates towards an active position to cut off an extrusion through the opening it, the free end of the arm I'It passes over the shoulder I30 and opens the circuit through the switch LSI thereby to de-energize the valve I12 and exhaust the air under pressure in the extrusion chamber to the atmosphere. Inasmuch, as will be hereinafter brought out, as the knife I39 is retained in its retracted position for much longer periods of time than that required to project the knife to operative position and withdraw it to its inoperative position, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that although air under pressure is alternately admitted to and exhausted from the extrusion chamber 50, the latter is maintained under a positive pressure for the greater proportion of time.

The piston and cylinder assLmbIy I32 which controls the operation of the knife I30 is controlled by a suitable timing mechanism which operates toalternately admit and exhaust air from the opposite ends of the assembly. While in the broader aspects of the invention any suitable or conventional timing mechanism may be employed for this purpose, that shown in the accompanying drawings is of a mechanical type in which the valve controlling the admission and exhaust of air from the opposite ends of the assembly I32 is driven by the electric motor, this being particularly advantageous where th; motor is of a variable speed type inasmuch as by varying the speed of the motor the size of the deposits may correspondingly be varied. Accordingly, and as best brought out in Figs. 4, 5-and 6, a conv ntional type of valve I530 is employed to normally control the admission of air under pressure and the exhaust of air alternately from opposite ends of the assembly I32. The valve ISO is of that conventional type provided with two outwardly urged plungers I92 and I94 and is provided with an intake port connected by a tube I96 to the high pressure reservoir I50. It is also provided with an exhaust port shown provided with an exhaust tube I83 through which air may be exhausted to the atmosphere. It is also provided with one port which is connected by a tube 202 to the upper or right-hand of the assembly I32; as viewed in Fig. 2, and a second port connected 12 by a tube ZEN] with the lower or left hand :end of the assembly as viewed Fig. 2. The valve construction is such that iwhen the plungers 192 and I34, which are normally spring pressed downwardly, are in their downward position, the tube Ed? is in open communication with the tube I93 and the tube 2% in open communication with the tube M6, thus actuating the assembly I32 to move the knife to its inoperative position. On the other hand if the plungers I92 and I94 are simultaneously actuated upwardly away from their normal position the tube 232 is placed in communication with the tube I96 and the tube 2% in communication with the tube I98, which thereby admits under pressure to the Upper end of the assembly I32 and exhausts it from the lower end thereof, causing the knife 13-0 to be reciprocated towards its operative position to the left as viewed in Fig. 2, to cut off the extrusions through the openings 15. f

Toop erate the valve E to obtain the above describrd results, the following mechanism is provided. The valve its-is mounted in a housing 264 suitably mounted in fixed relation with respect to the machine. In spaced relation below the valve lee a sha-ft zflfi is rotatably mounted in the housing 26 i. Below the valve we the shaft 225 is provided with a cam 2-88 fixed thereto. A rocker arm 2 I ll within the housing 284 is mounted at one nd on the lower end of a vertically extending post or stud 2-H, the upper end of which is fixed with respect to the housing 294. The

cooperating end of the rocker arm Z-II] surrounds the post 2:? and is constantly urged downwardly against an abutment 2H3 adjustably mounted on thelower end thereof, by m.-ans of a coiled compression spring are surrounding the stud 212 above the rocker arm. The opposite end of the rocker arm 2% is arranged to substantially contact the 1mm ends of both plungers I92 and its and is provided with a rol ler 2 I 8 which rides on the cam EEIB. a

It will be observed thatthe high point of the cam 2538, indicated at 2213, is of an angular extent of approximately 25" to 30", so it will be appreciated that when the shaft 2&6 and earn 288 are rotating at'a constant rotationalspeed the plungers l st and I94 are lifted for only a fraction of the time required for a'full rotation of the cam "256. 'In this resp-ct, the connections between the valve I93 and the assembly I32 are such, as above suggested, that the veteran-asmits air to the upper end of the assembly I32 and exhaust air from the lower end thereof wh n theplungers M2 and IN are in their raisedposition as moved thereto by the high point 221] of the cam 2'88, and for substantially all of the rest of the full rotational movement of the cam 2118 the plungers I32 and IN are in their lowerposition in which air is exhausted from the upper end of the assembly I32 and admitted to the lower end thereof, thereby to hold theknife I30 in its retracted position.

The camshaft 2% is rotated 'by means of a variable speed motor'ZZZ through a suitable-gear reducing mechanism 224 directly connected thereto. While the speed reducing mechanism 226;, and particularly where its output shaft is rotated at the desired speed-of rotation, may be directly securedto the cam shaft 286, in theparticular'case shown it is assumed that the output shaft 226 of the speed reducing mechanism operates at a speed higher than that desired for cam shaft 2&6 and, accordingly, is connected thereto through a pairv of intermesh-in'g: gears 2'28 13 and 230 which cooperate to drive the cam shaft 2% at a fractional speed of the shaft 226.

Thus with the construction shown the shaft 2526 is driven at a constant speed and during rotation the cam 2&38 actuates the valve I90 to alternately admit air under pressure to and exhaust air from the opposite ends of the assembly I32, thereby to effect operation of knife I30, and, because of the conformation of the cam 208, that is, with the angularly short high point 220, it will be appreciated that the knife I30 is retained in its retracted position for a materially longer period of time than that required to cause it to reciprocate back and forth through one cycle. It is for this same reason that the valve II2, controlled by the reciprocatory movements of the knife I30, acts to maintain a positive pressure in the extrusion chamber 50 for a greater period of time than during which it acts to connect the interior of the extrusion chamber with the atmosphere, as previously explained.

It has been explained above that by varying the speed of the motor 222 the size and therefore the weight of the deposits extruded and cut off by the knife may be varied. This of course is due to the fact that if the speed of the motor 222 is reduced the time during which the air pressure in the extrusion chamber may act upon the dough or batter therein to extrude through the openings it is increased, and vice versa. Such a variation of the speed of the motor effects this result by varying the time element during which the dough or batter being extruded is cut off by the knife it. It will also be appreciated that for a constant size of opening l5 an equivalent variation may be obtained by varying the pressure of the air acting on the dough or batter, in other words by varying the pressure of the air in the reservoir I52. This, of course, may be accomplished by adjusting the pressure reducing valve I60. Thus either method of varying the Scaling of the deposits may be employed, or the die plate Id may be replaced by one having different sized openings I6 therein.

The piston assembly I20 is actuated by high pressure air from the reservoir I50. This may be accomplished through either a single solenoid operated four-way valve or two solenoid operated three-way valves, the latter being shown by way of illustration for ease of description.

Thus, in order to operate and control the piston assembly l20 which actuates the extrusion chamber loading valve N0, the high pressure reservoir I50 is connected by a line of pipe or tubing 240 with the upper end of the assembly I20, and by a line of pipe or tubing 242 with the lower end of the assembly I20. In order to control the flow of air through the line 240 a solenoid operated valve 2 M is interposed therein, and in order to control the flow of air through the line 2 52 a solenoid operated valve 240 is inserted therein. The valves 244 and 246 are conventional three-way valves of the solenoid operated type which when tie-energized provide open communication between the two sections of the pipe in which they are located, and when energized connect that section of the pipe between it and the assembly I20 with the atmosphere and close that section of the line connecting it with the reservoir I50. The energizing and deenergizing of the valves 244 and 246 is controlled in a manner which will be hereinafter described in connection with the wiring diagram of the machine. l

A solenoid operated three-Way valve 248 is also inserted in the line 200 connecting the valve I to the lower end of the piston and cylinder assembly I32. The valve 240, like the solenoid valves previously described, is of the normally open type, that is, open when de-energiz-ed, and when open provides open communication with the two sections of the line 200 which it connects, and when energized connects the part of the line 200 between it and the assembly I32 with the atmosphere. This valve is so controlled, as will hereinafter be more fully explained, that when the control system for the machine is actuated to open the valve IIO by means of the assembly I20, the lower end of the assembly I32 is opened to the atmosphere thus to insure the knife I30 being in its fully projected position wherein it covers the ports IS in the dies plate I l, thus to prevent extrusion of the dough or batter through the ports 16 during recharging of the extrusion chamber 50 with dough or batter.

Referrin now to Figure 9, which illustrates the electrical and air control circuits, the extrusion chamber 50 is shown in outline, and the valves I72, I90, 244, 240, and 248 are shown diagrammatically, all of these valves being shown in their lowermost positions, corresponding to the illustrated position of the cam 293 associated with valve i90, and corresponding to the de-energized conditions of the solenoids associated with the other valves.

The illustrated electrical control system comprises an induction relay 250, which is provided with a pair of normally open contacts 252 and 254. The primary and secondary windings of relay 250 are shown remotely from the associated contacts, in Figure 9, the mechanical relation between these elements being indicated in Figure 10. Relay 250 responds to the level of the batter within the extrusion chamber, serving to automatically initiate an unloading or extruding operation when the level of the batter reaches the previously mentioned upper electrode 64, and serving to initiate a charging operation as a consequence of the fall of the batter level to a point below the position of the previously mentioned lower electrode 60. Since, as discussed in more detail below, the control current for relay 25!; passes, in the present embodiment, through the batter, it is desired to utilize a relay which is responsive to a very low value of control current.

For this reason the illustrated induction type relay proves to be very satisfactory.

Referring briefly to Figure 10, relay 25% which is of a commercially available type, one form of which is marketed by the B and W Controller Company of Birmingham, Michigan, comprises a magnetic core structure which carries a con tinuously energized primary winding and an intermittently energized secondary winding which is disposed in inductive relation to the winding 256. So long as the circuit of the secondary winding 253 is interrupted, the flux pro duced by the primary winding 259 passes through the upper and central legs of the core structure, little or none of such flux being directed through the armature 260. Completion of the circuit for the secondary winding 258 establishes a magnetic field which passes through the armature 260 and across the air gap between the armature 260 and the core structure, thereby causing the armature 200 to be drawn uwardly into engagement with the core structure, closing the contacts 252 and 254, and holding them closed so long as both primary and secondary circuits are complete.

A normally closed switch LS2 cooperates, as described below, with electrodes 64% and 3 to control the secondary winding 152 of re1ay2'5fl. Switch LS2 .is controlled by a cam 259 (Fig. 7) which is so shaped that switch LS2 :is sclosed .ex cept while the knife $3.? is .a completely, or substantially, closed position.

.In addition 'to the tinductionrelay 25! the :i1- lustrated control system also comprises :a usual electromagneticrela'y 2%2, which is provided with a contact .256, disposed .for engagement with eitherone oia'pair of upper and lower fixed terminals 265 and'ifi'i depending .upon the :ener- .gized .01- .deenerg'ized condition of the relay. Re-

lay 262 .also comprises a second normally open movable cont-act 256. When de-energized, relay 2'52 occupies the illustrated "position. 7

Relay 262 is "controlled by a double pole starting and stopping switch. 2.66, and by a pair of limit switches LS3 rand L'Si. Switch 268 may be =and;pre:ferab1y is of the toggle type, and 'is providedwith normally open "contacts 2%; and 2112. Limit switches LS3 and .LSi'are operated by as- --sociated cams 'Z'Hi and Bit, carried by the .previously mentioned control shaft 2%. As is described in more detail below, limit switch LS4 serves to insure proper operation of the knife at "the :end of "each extruding operation. It is preeferred that scam .Zit have a raised or dwell portion which is substantially alignedwith that of cam 25.8., whereby switch LEA is closed shortly after cam 2&8 Ilifts valve ith, and .is reopened shortly aiterrcam 25", relowers valve i953. Limit switch LS3 serves to initiate the operation of relay 26.2 and, while the raised for dwell portion of itscam 2% may be randomly positioned with respect to cams 2&8 and 2'56, it is preferred that switch LS3 be \closed shortly after switch LS4 .is reopened. The raised 'or dwell portion of cam 714 may have only .a small angular span, since only a momentary closure of 'limitlswitch IiS-Qis required.

It is believed that any remaining mechanical and electrical details of the system may best be understood from-a description of the operation asawhole.

Considering such operation, the parts are shown inFigure 9 in the positions occupiedsthereby when theusual disconnect switch DS is open, thereby deenergizingrall electrical circuits. I condition :the system for operation, thexdisconnect switch may be closed, energizing :the control conductors OLE and GL2, andrendering the timing motor 222 subject to control by the starting and speed control device indicated diagrammatically at 2%.

Energization of line conductors CLl and GL2 completes, an obvious energizing circuit for the primary winding 256 of'th-e induction relay 259.

For purposes of the present description, it'may of the upper electrode 6 5 is in engagement with the upper surface of the :batter, thereby com- .pleting an energizing circuit for the secondary winding 2580f relay .259, which-circuit extends through conductor 2-82, electrode-:64}, the'batter, the metallicframe of the extrusion chamber '59, .andthence through the conductors 5284 and 28.6, back through the secondary winding 258. -In;re- .spense to thelcompletionzof this circuit, relay 25i] closes .itstwo contacts .252 and @254. Closure of of the-starting switch 2-538.

vents :suchupper end of cylinder Hi2. conditions mentioned, :however, valve 2-48 is energized and -.consequently serves to continuously theseeondary winding 2 5.8 ,which extends through the lower electrode 165, and thence throu h h batter and conductors 2.84 and 2,86. It will be appreciated that so iong as this circuit is main tained, relay 259 :will occupy the closed or energized position, even thou h, duringthe course f the extruding operation describedbelow, the level of ithejoatter iallsfbelcw the position of electrode :64.

Closure of the other induction relay contact .2554 completes an obvious energizing circuit, through conductor for the coil of valve .245, which:thereuponassumes its upper-position, v enting the space above the piston of cylinder I20. Undertheconditions stated, valve 245 is de ener- :gizecl, and applies pressure to the underside of the piston cylinder 12:8, thereby maintaining the filling valve ii dintheclosed position.

Energization of .line conductors CLi and GL2 also serves to energize valve 248, through now closed contacts 2515-25? of relay 2E2, causing this valve to lift and complete a continuous venting circuit iior the underside of the piston of cylinder 132, thereby preventing an opening movement of knife 139.

To further condition the system for operation, the starter and speed. control device 238 may be actuated :to place the motor 222 in operation at a desired speed. As will be evident, this action causes intermittent opening :and closing of the limitswitches, lkSt-(andLS i, which action is without effect, in View of the now :open condition The operationof the motor also causes an intermittent lifting oi-valve 1%. Each such lifting operation connects the supper end of cylinder RE -32 tcgthe source of, supply, through line 2632, and each lowering operation Under the vent to atmosphere the lowerend of cylinder I32. -Consequentlyi, theoperation of valve 1 99 is without effect upon knife res which remains in the closed position. it willbe:appreciatednccording-ly thatelosure of the disconnect switch serves,

in this instance,-.cnly tZOrCOIldltiGIl the System for Janautomaticextruding operation.

To initiate an extruding operation, the toggle switch 4-68 maybe moved to the closed position,

.284 into engagement with its upper associated .fi-xed terminal 265, and disconnecting terminal Closure of contact 26.6 :completes a holding circuit for relay 2-62, in parallel with limit switch LS3, rendering theintermittent opening and closing of limit switch LS3 ineffective. 'It will be .noted that this maintaining circuitfor relay 262 remains complete throughout the extruding operation aboutto-be described.

'I-'he-.disconnec.tion ':ofthe "lower :fixed terminal 261 disconnects conductors-290 and -292-from the source of .supply, thereby interrupting the enorgizin circuits for valves 248 and 246. long eontac't252 completes a maintaining ci cu-itior '1 :as .valve a-248 isdesenergizedcas :describedabove,

it cannot affect the periodic operations of the knife I30, and so long as valve 246 is de-energized, it serves to continuously maintain pressure below the piston of cylinder I20, thereby positively maintaining the filling valve I I in the closed position during the extruding period. It will be appreciated that the momentary energization of the winding of valve 246, occasioned by the closure of toggle switch contacts 210 before the disconnection of terminal 261, is transitory only and does not call a false movement oi valve I I0. Closure of contacts 264265, of relay 262, prepares an auxiliary maintaining circuit for relay 262, the purpose of which is described below.

With cam 208 in the illustrated position, the de-energization of valve 248 immediately initiates an extruding operation. More particularly, with valves 243- and I90 in the illustratedlower positions, the lower end of cylinder I 32 is supplied with pressure through line 200, and the upper end thereof is vented through line 202. Consequently, knife $39 is promptly retracted, exposing the discharge openings 14. The retracting movement of knife I also permits both of the illustrated limit switches LSI and LS2 to close. Limit switch LS2 completes an auxiliary maintaining circuit for the induction relay 250, the purpose of which isdescribed below, and closure of limit switch LSI completes an obvious energizing circuit (through induction relay contacts 254 and conductors 294 and 296), for the winding of the extruding valve I12. Upon completion of this circuit, valve I12 moves to the open position, connectin the interior of the extruding chamber to the source of pressure, through line I10. Under the influence of the pressure thus introduced into the extruding chamber, the batter or dough contained therein is caused to move through the discharge openings 14. As the timing shaft 206 continues to rotate, cam 208 lifts valve I90, reversing the airconnections for cylinder I32 and causing knife I30 to rapidly move to the closed position, cutting off the extruded deposit. At an intermediate stage of the closing movement of knife I 30, limit switch LSI is re-opened and, very near the end of such closing movement of knife I30, limit switch LS2 is re-opened. The operation of limit switch LS2 is described below. The re-opening of limit switch LSI again venting the interior of the extruding chamber, and preventing the building up of an undesirable pressure against the batter during the time that the knife I30 is in the closed position. After a comparatively short period, determined by the dwell of cam 208, valve I90 again resumes its lower position, reversing the connections for cylinder I32 and again causing the knife I30 to move to the open position. This opening movement again re-closes the limit switches LSI and LS2, limit switch LSI again serving to operate valve I12 and admit extruding air into the interior of the extruding chamber. When valve I90 is next raised by cam 208, another cut off movement of knife I30 takes place and valve I12 isagain operated to vent the interior of the extruding chamber.

Itis believed to be evident that so lon as relays250 and 262 are maintained in the energized position, and so long as the level of the batter remains high enough for extruding operations. theintermittent operations of valve I90 causes corresponding extruding and cut-oiT actions, the interior of the extruding chamber being under de-energizes extruding valve I12,

extruding pressure (valve I12) during each extruding action, and being vented to the atmosphere while the knife I30 is closed as an incident to each cut-01f operation. Intermittent operations of cam 208, during this continuous extruding operation, are, of course, accompanied by intermittent operations of cams 214 and 216, and corresponding operations of limit switches LS3 and LS4. As will be evident, these intermittent operations of limit switches LS3 and LS4 are without effect upon the extruding operation.

As the extruding operation progresses, the level of the batter in the extruding chamber gradually falls, and ultimately reaches a level in which the lower electrode 66 is out of contact with the batter. This action does not immediately de-energize the induction relay 250, and terminate the extruding operation, but it does render relay 250 subject to the position of the knife I30. More particularly, the disconnection of terminal 66 interrupts the initially traced maintaining circuit for the secondary winding of induction relay 250. On the other hand, a parallel maintaining circuit for winding 258 is maintained through limit switch LS2 except when the knife I30 is in the closed position. Consequently, the first closing movement of knife I30 after the disconnection of holding electrode 66, by opening limit switch LS2, interrupts all connections for the induction relay winding 258, thereby de-energizing the latter, and automatically initiating a charging operation.

Upon the de-energization of winding 258, induction relay 250 resumes the tie-energized position, opening both of its contacts. 252 and 254. The opening of contact 252 is without immediate effect, since both of electrodes 64 and 66 are now exposed, and limit switch LS2 is now open, but does render a re-energization of winding 258 subject to a re-immersion of electrode 64, which takes place only at the conclusion of the charging operation. The opening of contact 254 is without immediate effect, but does render the circuits initially completed thereby subject to the condition of relay 262.

It will be recalled that switch LS4 is closed while valve I is raised and remains closed for an interval (long enough to insure the making of a full retracting stroke by knife after cam 203 lowers valve I90. At the time in question, accordingly, limit switch LS4 is closed and completes a maintaining circuit for the winding of relay 262, through relay contacts 264-465. Additionally, relay contacts 264-265 and limit switch LS4 complete, through relay contact 266 and toggle switch contact 212, a circuit which directly shunts induction relay contact 254, which shunt circuit maintains valve 244 in the energized position, and also renders the valve I12 subject to limit switch LS I.

When cam 208 lowers valve I90, the air connections for cylinder and piston assembly I32 are again reversed, causing the knife I30 to move to the retracted position. This movement again recloses limit switches LSI and LS2, the latter being without effect. Reclosure of limit switch LSI re-energizes Valve I12 admitting extruding pressure to the chamber 58 and initiating another extrusion.

Shortly after knife I30 attains the retracted position, cam 216 reopens limit switch LS4, in terrupting the sole remaining energizing circuit for relay 262, which thereupon resumes the illustrated normal position. The re-engagement of relay contacts 264261 completes energizing cir- 294, which, respectively, de-energizes valves 244 and'I12 Upon being de-energi-zed, valve244 assumes the illustrated-position, applying pressure to the space in cylinder I20 above its piston-and causing the filling valve IIO to open. The de-. energization of valve I12 vents the interior of the extrusion chamber 50, so that, the-final-extrusion now in progress is made without -full benefit of the normal extruding pressure. I When next cam 208raises valve I90, thesupply pipe 202 is again connected to the source ofpres sure and knife- I 30 is caused to move to the closed position, reopening both limit-switches LSI and LS2 without effect. th knife I30 cuts 01f the final deposit, and closes oifthe extrusion chamber.

H The reclosure of limit switch LS4 which takes place about the same time as the last-mentioned lifting movement of valve I90 is, of course, without effect, in view of the now open condition of relay 262. As the filling operation continues, the timing motor shaft 206 may make one or more additional complete revolutions, all ithout elfect upon the position of the knife, I30, in view of the nowde-energized condition of valve 248.

As the filling operation progresses, the batter reaches a level at which electrode66 is immersed therein. This action is without effect in view of the now open condition of'induction relay contacts 252. On the other hand, when the batter again reaches a level at which the upper electrode 64 is immersed therein, the original energizing circuit for the secondary winding 258 of the induction relay is again completed, causing this relay to again move to the energized position, closing its contacts 252 and 254. As before, contacts 252 complete a maintaining circuit'for the'secondary winding 258 which remains complete so long as the lower electrode 66 is immersed in the batter. As before, reclosure of-induction relay contact 254 immediatelyre-energizes valve 244, again venting the space above thepiston in cylinder I20, this action being preparatory to the reclosing movement of the'filling' valve I1I0.

Also, the reclosure of induction relay contact 254 prepares a re-energizing circuit for relay 262, which is completed thenext time limit switch LS3 closes. Upon being energized, relay 262 functions as before (by disconnecting terminal 261) to de-energize valves 246 and 248. The deenergization of valve 246 again admitsair under pressure to the underside of the piston in cylinder I20, causing a prompt reclosure of filling valve II'0. Similarly, the de-energization of valve 248 again-renders the cylinder I32, associated with knife I30, subject tothe periodic operations of valve I90. It will be noticed that-in view of the angular displacement between cams 214 and 208, the energization of'relay-"262 and the consequent de-energization of valves 246 "and 248 always takes place eta time whenvalve I90 is in its lower position. --In this position, valve I90 -com'pletes connections for cylinder- I32 which retract the knife I30. Consequently, the ener The closing movement of preciated that it is desirable to; soposition cam- 214' that it closesrelay'262 very shortlyafter cam 216 reopens limit switch LS4. This relationship is indicated in Fig.9, in which the :camsare assumed to be rotating in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrows thereon;

It is'believed to'be evident-that the extruding operation thus initiated by the completionof the refilling o-f the'extrusion chamber; continues as described in-connection'wi-th the 'first extruding operation until the first time following the separation of thebatter from the lower electrode 66,- :that knife- I30recloses. Such first reclosure of knife I-3-0, as before, byopening limitswitch LS2, interrupts all energizing circuitsrfor the-secondarywinding- 258 of the inductionrelay, thereby' de-energizing the latter and initiating another refilling operation.

Solong, therefore, as the timing motor222=remains in operation, and the startingand stopping toggle switch 268 remains closed, the present machine f-unctionsautomatically to provide successive alternate extruding and" refilling opera-- tions, each'extruding operation comprising a series ofindividual'extrusions.

The present machine may; of course, bestoppejd atany stage of an extruding foperation,i'si-mply-.by reoper-iin'g the toggle, switch 268. Thisaction at contact 210,-makes a second interruption in the circuit for valve 246, insuring that pressure-willcontinue to be introduced belowthe-piston-of cylinder I therebyma'intaining the. filling-valve H0 in theclosed position; The opening of toggle switch contacts 212 is withoutimmediate effect except that it-does render} the: energizingcircuit for'relay 262 subject to-limitswitch LS4. It will be appreciated that it is desirable" that an'inter--. ruption of an "extruding operation, eifectedj by opening the: toggle swito-h 268 shall; as inthe ca'se of an automatically terminated-extruding opera tion, controlled by the batter' level, take place when the knife I isin afully: closedzposition. It willfbe appreciated also that theopeningof toggle switch -268::maytakeplace either at a time while valve I occupies the illustrated-lower.position, orata time when it occupies the uppereposition.

In the former instance, I the opening of 1 toggle switch contact :2 1 2 immediately interruptsi'th'e energizing circuit vfor relay 262, since limit switch LS4is open at thetime inquestion and since the parallel connected contacts '266 and limit switch LS3 aresubiect to contacts'212. The de-energiza tion of relay'2162, b'y again-connecting contacts 264-261, immediately re-energizes valve 248, which thereupon completes a continuous venting circuit for the underside of the piston] of" cylinder I32. At-the time in-question'the upperisidezof the piston er cylinder I 32 is vented through valve I90. However; when earn 208- next raises :valve 7 I90, the upper side of the'pist-onrof "cylinder' I32 operation at the conclusion of such individual extrusion. The final deposit of such an interrupted extending operation is thus of standard size.

2'. If, on the other hand, the opening of switch 268 takes place while valve I99 is in the raised position, knife I36 will already be closed.

There is, of course, a short interval between the time cam 208 lowers valve ltd, thereby completing retracting circuits for cylinder I32, and the time the retracting movement of the knife is completed. If valve 248 should be de-energized during this period, it will be appreciated that the consequent venting of the underside of the piston of cylinder I32 might interrupt the movement of knife I39 at an intermediate point in its strokeyleaving the outlet of the extrusion chamber in a partially open condition until cam 208 had made substantially a complete revolution and had again raised valve I90, and caused a closing movement of the knife I30. Such a condition would, of course, be undesirable in that it would permit the forming of a final deposit of substandard size. In the present system, limit switch LS4 serves to prevent a stoppage of knife I30 in an intermediate position. It will be recalled that limit switch LS4 closes at or about the time that valve I90 islifted, and reopens at the expiration of a short period after valve I90 resumes its illustrated lower position; and that this short period is just long enough to permit a full retracting movement of knife I30.

. Consequently, in the event switch 268 is opened while valve Isl] is elevated, such opening of contact 212 is preparatory only, since relay 282 is maintained in an energized condition through limit switch LS4 and maintaining contacts 264-265. When, thereafter, cam Z IIS lowers valve I90, circuits are completed for retracting knife I30. Very shortly after this retracting movement is completed, limitswitch LS4 reopens, interrupting the just-mentioned holding circuit for relay 262 and causing the re-energization, at contacts 264-261, of valve 248. As before, valve 248 vents the space beneath the piston of cylinder I32,

which action is without effect since at the time in question the other side of thepiston is also vented. Consequently, a normal extrusion'takes place, at

the conclusion of which, valve I90 is agairieletion is interrupted when the extrusion in questionis cut off by the closing movement of knife I30. Similarly, if switch 268 is opened. at any other time (that is, while valve I90 is lifted) such opening is preparatory only and permits one final deposit to be made. In either event, the knife IZ-lil is finally stopped in the fully closed position. It is believed to be clear that a reclosure of the start-' ing switch 268, following such an interruption of an extruding operation, serves merely to restart the interrupted extruding operation and permit completion thereof in the normal manner.

In shutting down the machine, it is, of course. desirable to provide for a complete emptying of the extrusion chamber. In accordance with the present invention, this may be effected by temporarily closing the manually operated emptying switch 298, which completes a circuit for the secondary winding 258 of the induction relay,

which is independent of the above described nor-- mal: circuits therefor.v It will be appreciated, ac

cordingly, that if switch 298 is closed during the course of an extruding operation, such operation is not interrupted as a consequence of the exposure of electrode 65, but instead continues until the extrusion chamber is completely emptied;

After the extrusion chamber has been completely emptied, toggle switch 268 may be opened, stopping further reciprocating movements of the knife I30, as described above, and leaving this knife in its fully closed position. At any time thereafter, the emptying switch 298 may be opened, thereby de-energizing induction relay 250, and restoring all of the illustrated electrical circuits to the condition shown in Fig. 9. If, aftersuch reopening of switches 268 and 298, motor 222 remains in operation, it causes only ineffective operations of limit switches LS3 and LS4 and correspondingly ineffective operations of valve Referencehas heretofore been made to Fig. 8-

as illustrating a form of mechanism controlled by thelevel of the dough or batter in the extruding chamber 50 which may be employed for the same purpose and in place of the electrodes 64 and 86, this particularly where the dough or batter being operated upon is of a more: or less readily flowable character. As illustrated in Fig. 8, a shaft 300 is projected through and is rotatable in a wall of extrusion chamber 50 and is suitably sealed against leakage thereto. With-. inthe extrusion chamber 50, the shaft has fixedthereto one end of an arm 302 to the opposite end of which a float 304 is secured so that the vertical position of the float 304 corresponds with the level of the dough or batter 306 in the extrusion chamber 50. Exteriorly of the extrusion.

chamber 50 an arm or lever 308 is fixed at one end to the shaft 300 and at its opposite end carries a pair of mercury switches 3I0 and 3I2, respectively. One terminal ofeach of the switches 3H) and 3 I 2 may be grounded and the other terminals thereof connected in the same circuits as the electrodes 64 and 66, respectively, previously described. It will be observed that when the float is raised to the dotted position corresponding to the high level of dough or batter desired in extrusion chamber 50, the switch 3H1, which func tions in the same manner as the electrode I54,

It will be understood that the disclosure in Fig. 8

is simply illustrative of one of several different.

forms of mechanism which may be employed to control the previously described circuits, one of which is closed when the electrode 64 is contacted upon the presence of a predetermined high level of dough or batter in the extrusion chamber and the other of which is broken when the electrode- 66 is uncovered when the level of the dough or batter in the extrusion chamber falls to a modetermined low level therein.

Formal changes maybe made in the specific". embodimentxof the invention described without departing from the spirit or substance .of thebreaking the circuit: throughthe electrode 66 upon a similar condition being obtained in thefirst described constructiorrr escapee 23 broadzinvention, :the scope of which isscomme'nsu ratexwiththe appended claims.

.What isclaimedis: :1. In :a: device v of :the 'type described, 1 in 5 combination, an extrusion chamber :havinga discharge-opening? therein, ;a cuteofil: :knife; mounted for reciprocable ..association with said discharge flpen'inazzand operable when :in one. limit -of :its

reciprocable. positiorr to .uncover such .opening' for thetdischarge ofxmaterial \from. :said chamber therethroug-h and-operable when in;the..op.posite limitrofiiitszreciprocablegposition to-seaksaidopen-v me against the discharge .of wmaterialutheree through, said. knife being soperat-ive .in xxpassing from; the ifirstimentionedzreciprocable position zto the Blast mentioned; reciprocable; positionxto. out (immaterial =.:.extruded;through .said; opening during. .=the;periodin-jwhich saideopening i-s: uncov.er.ed by said knife, a source for supplying materialito saidzchamber; a valve :contr'ollineccommunication with ssaid source .and said chamber, ;.means. for opening and .c'losingssaid valve, meansiorrselem tiuelyzintroducing'air :under pressure to said 7 chambeiua-nd for venting said chamber to -the atmosphere, :means. for reciprocating .said knife,

control means. connected to. said a-reciprocating meansaandvactuated by.a;predetermined low. level of materialxin. said; extrusion chamber to maintain sairleknifein said second position. .of reciprocation thereof, meansconnected to said: pressure means, and responsive .tothe .secondnamed positiona-ofiisaid knife 1' for operating said pressure meansi-to vent. said :chamber to the. atmosphere,

means giorc openingsaid valve closingand opening'zmeans to supply material :to ;.said.-chamber 'andwmeans; responsive :cto :azzpredetermined high level :of material-in said: chamber for closingsaid valveopening and closing meanssand: for operating said reciprocating means'to operate saidxknife touncover said opening. said operating means forlzsaidrpressure means. being actuated to communicatevair cunder pressureto said chamber.

:2; Inpapparatuseoflthe typedescribed in. combination, an extrusion "chamber having .a .dis-

chargeopening; therein: for the-ldischargei of ma terialztherefrom,--a:knife reciprocably associatedwith; said extrusion chamber operative when at one limit'ofiitsareciprocable position to uncover saideopening for theadischargeof material therethrouglnandroperativeawhen at: the. opposite extremeofiits.reciprocableposition to close said opening 5170 the discharge .Of. .material 1.the1e-.

through, meansior reciprocating said leuifacand' means connected :with .said reciprocating means and; including. ansactuator disposed within: saidcharge vopening therein, means for alternately opening and. closing saididisc'harge opening, a sourceof material to :be supplied: to said extrusionuchamber, valvular means selectively :operablezto admit a-ir under pressurefroma pressure source to said extrusionchamber and :to .vent sai'dgchamber to atmosphere, valvularmeanscontrolling communication between .said source. 'oi-nsupplyiand zsaid extrusion chamber zand meansincluding: an actuator .disposedwithin said extrusion chamber operable. by material atzax pres determinedlevel insaid extrusionschamber-xto control theyposition. of bothsaid valvularmeans' whereby .to :vent said: extrusion chamber a to iata mosphere whensthe :secondmentioned valvular meansisropened.

'14. .In apparatus .of' the type;..described,; inzcome bination, an extrusionzchamber having-a idiss charge opening therein, "means .for alternately opening-:and closingsaid discharge opening,.-. a,. source of material supply for. said extrusion chamber, valvular means controlling acommuni cation between .said source of supply and :said

' extrusionwchamber, meansincludirrg van;actuator disposed within-said: extrusion .chamberoperable by. material at a predeterminedlevelin said.'ex-:

trusion chamber .to control the position-iofzsaid' valve; meansfor operating-and maintainingsaijcl firstmentioncdmeans to apositionfco closeisaid discharge. opening, said control means; actuating said operating means whenever 'said .valve :..is,-

opened to effect communication between :said' source and said extrusion chamber.

5.;In apparatus. of .thetype described, .inacom-Q bination, an extrusion chamber having a 'dis-.

charge openingitherein,..a reciprocablei knifeaassociated' with. :said discharge chamber -.operablewhen in oneposition toclose-said openingxtorthe discharge of 1 material .therethrough rand. i opera tive when in another position-toiopen said.open-.. ing:for the discharge of "material .therethrough,

fluid pressure operated-means .operative'to .reciprocate saidknife between said positions; means; ioriapplying fluid pressurcto the .saidzmaterial; in said extrusion ,chamber,,.a commomsource .of fiui'd under pressureconnected toboth orsaidi means, andmeans, in theconnection between the last. mentioned applying means and-:said source operable to deliver fluidunder pressurezto said extrusion chamber atia. lower pressuretthan the fluid delivered to said knife'rec-iprocatin means .5. In apparatus of'the'type described,.in.combination, a material chamber having-la discharge. Opening :therein, cyclically operated discharge control means toopen and closessaidcopening, a; source of material supply for'said'chamberconenected. for communication with said "chamber;

means for opening communication between-said source andsaidchamber to supplyytheilatter with material from said sourceand adaptedrforrclosingsaid communication, control means includin an actuator within said'chamberand operable by; material in said chamber at. a predetermined:

level; for said discharge control-.means rendering the latter effective to permit discharge t-hroughsaid opening so: long as. said material in, said chamber :is above 'aypredetermined level therein, and means connected tosaid-secondzcom' trol means and .meansior' opening communica-i tion between saidv sourceand said chamber, includingzan actuator disposed within said'chamber effective when said material insaid chamberfalls below said predeterminedlevel for maintaining saididischarge control meansinrposition:toz'close said opening --,a nd for opening communication between said source and: saidchamber.

7. In apparatus of. the type described,.in..cembination, a material chamber having a .:disc.haree opening therein, cyclically operated discharge control means to open and close. said. openingaaa source of material supply for saidchamber-com.

nected for communication with "said chamber,

means. for opening communication betweenasaidi sourceend said chamber torsupplytheclatter:

25' with material from said source andadapted for closing said communication, and control mechanism including an actuator disposed within said chamber and operable by a predetermined high level of material in said chamber for actuating said means for opening communication between" said source and said chamber to close communication between said source and said chamber, said control mechanism including further control means operable when said actuator is operated in response to said predetermined high level for rendering said discharge control means effective to permit a discharge of material through said opening. v 8. In apparatus of the type described, in combination, a material chamber having a discharge opening therein, cyclically operated discharge control means to open and close said opening, a source of material supply for said chamber connected for communication with said chamber, means for opening communication between said source and said chamber to supply the latter with material from said source and adapted for closing said communication, and control mechanism including an actuator disposed in said chamber and operable by a predetermined high level of material in said chamber for actuating said means for opening communication between source and said chamber to close communication between said source and said chamber, said control mechanism including further control means operable when said actuator is operated in response to said predetermined high level for rendering said discharge control means efiective to permit a discharge of material through said opening and including additional control means operable when said actuator is operated-in response to a predetermined low level of material in said chamber to maintain said discharge con-' trol means in a position to close said opening and to operate said communication means to open communication between said source and said chamber.

9. In apparatus of the type described, in combination, a material chamber having a discharge opening therein through which said material is adapted to be discharged, a member movably associated with said opening operable when in one position to open said opening to the discharge of material therethrough and when in another position to seal said openingagainst the discharge of material therethrough, means for moving said member between said two positions, cyclically operated means controlling the operation of said moving means, a source of material supply connected with said chamber, a valve between said source of supply and said chamber controlling communication therebetween, means for moving said valve between closed and open positions, means controlled by the level of material in said chamber for controlling said valve moving means, and means controlled by the position of said member rendering the last mentioned means ineffective to open said valve when said memberis in any position other than the second mentioned position thereof.

10. In apparatus'of the type described, in combination, a material chamber having a discharge opening therein through which said material 'is adapted to be discharged, a member movably associated with said opening operable when in one position to open said opening to the discharge of material therethrough and when in another position to seal said opening against the discharge of material therethrough, means for moving said operated means controlling the operation of "said? moving means, a source of material supply con-.- nected with said chamber, a valve between said source of supply and said chamber controlling communication therebetween, means for moving said valve between closed and open position," means controlled by the level of material in said chamber for controlling said valve moving means, and means controlled by the position of said member rendering the last mentioned means in-: efiective to open said Valve when said member is in any position other than the second mentioned position thereof, means controlled by the presence" of a predetermined high level of material'in said chamber for closing said valve, said last-named: means rendering said cyclically operated mi'eans.

inoperative to resume control of said member moving means until said cyclically operated means is in a predetermined position in its cycle;

11. In apparatus of the type described, in com bination, an extrusion chamber having an opening therein for the extrusion of material there-" from, a knife member movably associated with. said opening operable when in one position to close said opening to the flow of material there-' through and uncovering said opening to the flow of material therethrough when in another 'posi-' tion, means for cyclically moving said member between said two positions, means for selectively admitting to and exhausting air from said ex'-' trusion chamber, a source of material supply con nected to said extrusion chamber, a valve controlling communication between said source of supply and said extrusion chamber, means controlled by the level of material in said extrusion chamber for opening and closing said valve; means contr'olledby the position of said knife member controlling said air admission and ex-c hausting means, means controlled by the position of said member rendering said valve 'oper-' ating means ineffective to open said valve except when said member is in the first mentioned posi-:

tion thereof, and means operable with the opening of said valve for rendering said knife member moving means inoperative to move said member.

12. In apparatus of the type described, in combination, an extrusion chamber havin a discharge opening therein, a knife member reciprocably associated with said extrusion chamber operable when at one limit of its reciprocable movement to open said opening to the discharge of material therethrough and when in the op-' posite limit of its reciprocable movement to seal said opening against the discharge of material therefrom, means for reciprocating said knife member, valvular means for selectively admitting air under pressure to said extrusion chamber and for venting said chamber to atmosphere, means controll dby the position of said knife m mber controlling said valvular means, a source of material supply connected with said extrusion chamber, a valve controlling communication be tween said source and said chamber, means for opening and closing said valve, means controlled by the level of material in said extrusion chamher for controlling the valve opening and closing means, cyclically operated means controlling said knife member moving means, means controlled by the position of said knife member rendering said level controlled means inoperative to open said valve except when said knife member is in the second mentioned position thereof, and means operated in timed-relation with said cyclically amazed operated":meansreperable. upon ii'iitiatiorriofropg station ofzzsaidrappaz'atus to operate :said. knife reciprocating means;v

j 13. .In apparatus of thettype described, .inzccnn electrically operated valvular 'means for controlling saidivalve. moving means; means operated Eva variation oflevel ofmaterialiin said 1 extrusionichamb'er operable tocontrol the'secon'd mentioned electrically opera-ted: valvular means toioperater'said valve moving means to opensaid valve upon said materiaI "insaid 'extrusion chamberfreacliing a'predetermined-low' level and to open-tlie'circuit to the first mentioned valvular means to exhaust-air from said extrusionichamberssimultaneously therewith, and switch means operated: between: open and :"closed circuitposition during movement of said member between its saidxstwo .limitseof movement zrendering' said level controlmeans-inoperative to. open said valve andrgto .exhaustaihirom saidlextrusion chamber unifilIsaidmember is inithe lastmentioned .of its said positions:

114'. Iniapparatus'of atheetype described, in coma b'ination anxextrusion chambers having a dis "charge .opening itherein'for the ej-ectionofmate- 28;; V .meansfdnoperativewhen it .istedesiredi-toaej ectaall ofz'said material from said extrusionchamber;

.15LiIntapparatussof.thetype described; in com-- bination, ,anextrusion' chamber having. an. open inggthereinior the; ejection of tmateria1.there through; a knife-.member reciprocably associated with said extrusion chamber acting when in one ofaits .reciprocable positions to; close said openingitottheiflowof material therethrough and I when: in the: other of .said reciprocable positions opening'said :opening to 1 the ejection of material therethrough, adiuid operatedpiston and cyl-. inder assembly connected. torsaidhnife: for .efe fecting operation thereof, a source of fluid under pressure connected to..'sald.piston andcylinder assemblyg. valve; mechanism in. said connection operable: when in .one position to introduce fluid under. pressure tonneend of said cylinderand pistonassembly and exhaust fluid. from the op.- posite :end thereof 1 and when .in another position to admitfl-uid under. pressureto the lastmem tioned end and :exhaust fluid fromthe first mentioneda endthereof,,rotatable. cam means, arranged to: cyclically operate saidvalve mechanism, ,a source-of fluid underpressure connected to-said-ex-trusion chamber, valvular means in the lashmentioned: connection operable when one position toconnect'the last mentioned source with-saidextrusion chamber andwhen in another positionlto connect said extrusionchamber to the atmosphereandv disconnect .it from. said second source, andemeans operated in timedrelation .to said. knife-memberlfor actuating said valvular means between said two. positions, the .last mentionedmeansxacting tomove .said valvular means to vconnect-.1said:extrusionichamber. with the atmospherewhen said .knife; isrin the .first men, tioned. position .thereof, and .to .open said source toosaid lextrusioncha-mber when said .knife' is in.

.thessecond mentioned position thereof.

16. In a cake depositor, in combination, an ex trusionchamber having a. discharge openingin rial therefrom,- a member movably associated with 1 "said: extrusion chamber operable. when in one limit"; ofi its movable position to close said 1 dischargeopening against'the discharge of material therethrough and when in the opposite 'limit of its movable'position to open said openingto' the discharge; of xmateria'l itherethrough, electrically operatedwalvular means for admitting air-under 'pressurelto: said: extrusion chamber. and exhaus tion'l'ofifair therefrom;.asource of material supply fc'onriected to said extrusion chamber; a valve between said-source and said extrusion :chamb'er controlling" communication therebetween, fluid pressure" operated means "for moving said valve betweenicloseditand open positions, electrically operated valvularmeans forcontrolling said valve moving-"means; means operated by a .variationvof level ofimateriatintsaid. e'xtrusioni chamber op;- erablesto control the? second. mentioned. electrie cally operated valvular means to operate *said valveimoving means-ito open said 'valvesupon said material'in said extrusion *chamber reaching a predeterminedllow level and to: open the circuit jtoithe ifirst mentioned "valvular'means to exhaust air fromssaid extrusion cham'berisimultaneously therewith; switch "means'operated .betweenopen a lower portion thereof, a movable knife member cooperating-,-with.said opening acting to seal said openingv to the discharge of..material there-1 through when in one of its movable positions and acting. to open .said opening, to the discharge :of material :therethrough when in another of its positionsgmeans'for moving 'said knife member from oneof .its positions toanother of said positions, .means mounting said extrusionchamber for. oscillatory movementabout'a horizontal axis, a material supply passage for said extrusion chamber-.opening .on said axis, valvular means controlling; communication between said-supply passagetand .the interior of said extrusion cham ber, and a fixed supply chamber having a discharge openingon said axis rotatablyassociated with said passage and sealed withrespect'thereto.

EUGENE. O.- ENGELS.

HANS .TIEDKE.

REFERENCES. l CITED V The following'references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name. Date:

2,159,726 Laggard. 1 --;..May 23, 1939. 2,223,352 De Francisc-i. Dec. 3,1940 2,246,759 Roth June 24, 1941 ..2,273,595 Roth Feb. 17; 1942 2,276,382- Franc-is Mar. 17, 1942 2,317,897 Ellis r r e Apr. 27, 1943 2,339,291 Paulus. ...l .,Jan. .18, .1944 

